In a fight to redeem themselves after the loss against Vandegrift, the JV orange volleyball team came out victorious against Hutto 2-0 at home on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Coming onto the court with renewed aggression and energy, the Warriors began their hustle stay to the winning from the very beginning. 

Starting the sets with quick and calculated movements, the Warriors rapidly put points on the board. This points advantage not only added pressure on the Hippos but additionally boosted the home team’s morale. Learning from past mistakes against Vandegrift, the Warriors closely monitored their weaknesses that were made clear last game and immediately compensated for them when they felt themselves slipping towards the middle of the first set. This purposeful dynamic ensured that the Warriors wouldn’t give up a single point, a significant shift from the last game.

“Coming into this season, I thought it was going to be way harder than I expected, but being able to practice more has gotten me less scared,” Outside Hitter Iris Huddleston ‘28 said. “[The game’s] way faster than I’m used to but everyone [on the team] is  just so nice, and practicing [consistently] with them makes it much easier.”

The Warriors also noted that the opposing team was a cause for this game’s positive result. Hutto was notedly pressured by the Warriors’ newfound aggression, yielding a hefty amount of points simply by fumbling the ball or uncontrollably leading it out of bounds. However, towards the center of the first set, the Hippos began to gain their footing and come back into the game after a quick timeout, increasing spirit and attempting to improve their gameplan. Although they tried to return the power the Warriors were exerting, the Warriors ended up on top. Even though the Warriors continued to deliver single power shots with sharp precision, both teams failed to equalize each other’s stamina; as a result, there were no strong rallies that appeared in the set. The Warriors dominated the Hippos both individually and as a team, keeping the crowd in awe throughout the game. The Warriors eventually used this energy to pull ahead and won the first set 25-14

“I [actually] played a [entirely] different position today,” Defense Specialist Zoe Sinitsky ‘27 said. “Our other girl injured her finger, [and] I’m sad she hurt herself, but I’m glad other people got a chance to see the court.”

Solidifying their streak of aggression, the Warriors started the second set strong as well. Struggling to gain a semblance of the upper hand, the Hippos fall prey to the strong and swift Warriors. While the first set was at a slower pace, the second set was a quick chase between both teams as the Warriors powerfully bore down upon the Hippos. Although both teams advanced in points, the Warriors progressed at a much quicker pace and drastically increased their points as they retaliated against Hutto. Much like the first set, the Hippos at each breaking point would crumble under the pressure and intensity of Warrior aggression, leading to multiple fumbles and a growing point margin. Continuing their vigorous onslaught of mixed offensive and defensive plays, the Warriors won the game, 2-0. 

The Warriors will play their next home game against McNeil on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the fieldhouse gym.